Poem

Biafra

Title Biafra
Author Pádraig Ó Fiannachta

Instances of Publication

A published appearance of this poem.

Collection/Anthology Year of Publication Medium View Details
Ponc 1970 Print Collection View Details
Publication Instance Details #1971
Collection/Anthology Details
Collection/Anthology Ponc
Date of Publication 1970
Publisher An Sagart (Ireland)
Page Number(s) 65
Publication Overview
Translation Is Multilingual Explicit Irish Context? Ekphrasis Has Paratext? Reference to News, Media or Technology
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Details
Human Rights Issues
War / Genocide Referenced
Languages
Genre Short Lyric
Medium Print Collection
Paratext Text Ar gclos guth Okukwu, 15-1-1970
Notes This poem includes media references due to the paratext, which notes hearing a voice, likely from a broadcast, and myth due to invocation of Jesus. The poem seems to directly address Ojukwu, or Chukwuemeka "Emeka" Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the leader of the breakaway Biafran state in Nigeria from 1967-1970, which was caused in part by anti-Igbo pogroms in the east of Nigeria. Is the speaker directly addressing Ojukwu in this poem, or is it an address to the people of Nigeria? The poem mentions the poverty and deprivation suffered by the people of Biafra, while Ojukwu had (comparatively) a privileged life in Nigeria. The speaker recognizes his own privilege as well, and mentions those who make profit from guns and warfare.
Is bunachar beo é seo. Entries continue to be updated.